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Hawthorn Names Nick Brown as New Superintendent
posted, Mon, January 23, 2012 | viewed 851 times. | print friendly | send to a friend


The Hawthorn District 73 Board of Education is pleased to announce that Mr. Nicholas G. Brown has been named the District’s new superintendent, beginning July 1, 2012. The announcement was made at the Board’s January 23 meeting. Mr. Brown comes to Hawthorn from Porter (Indiana) Township School Corporation, where he has served as superintendent since July 2005.


Mr. Brown began his career in education as a special education instructional assistant. He spent more than seven years in the classroom as a teacher, and another seven years as a building principal, giving him a well-rounded understanding of all facets of educational leadership.


“Out of a pool of exceptional candidates, Nick was the overwhelming choice of both the confidential screening committee and the board,” explains board president Tim Shanahan. “He came into the process with not only an impressive breadth of experience and a positive, learner-centered philosophy, but also an understanding of Hawthorn. He really did his homework.”


“I am very excited about coming to such a great district and I look forward to building on the successes Hawthorn has already experienced,” says Mr. Brown. “My philosophy places the student at the heart of every decision.  I believe that no matter what the topic, student safety and success must be part of every discussion.  A positive school environment that fosters creativity, leadership, and self-confidence is very important for all our students.” 


Mr. Brown goes on to explain that “collaboration is a large part of my leadership style and I find it supports all stakeholders, contributing to creating a successful school culture focused on the needs of our students.”


“I have extensive experience leading at the building and at the district level, notes Mr. Brown. “These leadership roles have required me to develop a deep understanding of the impact of all decisions on the student.  My experiences cover curriculum development, staff professional development, budget preparation and implementation, implementation of discipline at all levels, and the task of being a proactive positive leader focusing on student needs.”


Mr. Brown was formally introduced to the community during the January 23 Hawthorn Board of Education meeting. Though his responsibilities do not officially begin until July 1 with the retirement of current superintendent Dr. Sue Zook, the two administrators have already been working together to ensure that Mr. Brown transitions smoothly into his new role.


In effort to support that transition, Mr. Brown will be on campus to tour all of the schools on January 24. He plans to attend the February 27 board meeting, which will feature the budget recommendations prepared by the Financial Advisory Task Force, as well as the February 28 Hawthorn Administrator Academy. Looking ahead, the district plans to schedule parent/community meet-and-greet opportunities in the coming weeks.


Mr. Brown earned a business/marketing degree from Indiana University, a Masters in School Administration from Butler University, and an Ed.S. in School Administration from Indiana University. His wife of 25 years is also an educator, teaching 6th grade at Boone Grove Middle School. He is the father of two – Geoff, a freshman at Valparaiso University, and Katie, a high school sophomore. 


Board president Shanahan notes that a great deal of input and expertise went into the superintendent search process, including the administration of an online community survey as well as the formation of a confidential screening committee made up of parents, administrators, teachers and community members. “Thank you to all of the committee volunteers and to the wider community for their support of this important process,” notes Shanahan.  “Thanks to this thorough effort, we are confident we will continue to grow the Hawthorn tradition of Learning for All, Working Together and Doing Whatever It Takes.” 


Thank you to the entire community for supporting this search effort, especially those who took part in our online survey, participated in focus groups, and served on confidential interview committees. We join with the entire community in welcoming Mr. Brown to Hawthorn.


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